DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr responded defiantly to his critics after being named FIFA‘s men’s player of the year on Tuesday, declaring “I am the best player in the world” following a season marked by both athletic achievement and his ongoing battle against racial abuse.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who scored a career-high 24 goals during Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League-winning 2023-24 campaign, used his acceptance speech to address those who he says have tried to “cancel” and “belittle” him.
“I came, I saw, I won,” Vinicius wrote on Instagram. “Today I write this for that boy who saw so many idols lift that trophy… your time has come. That is, my time has come.”
The award comes seven weeks after Vinicius and Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Manchester City’s Rodri claimed the top prize. The club had stated they “do not go where it is not respected.” After Rodri’s win, Vinicius posted on X, “They’re not ready.”
Vinicius, who has faced repeated racial abuse while playing in Spain over the past two seasons, reflected on his journey from his hometown: “When I was in Sao Goncalo, the system didn’t work for me. I was almost swallowed up. I won for me, for my family.”
The Brazilian star acknowledged the support system that helped him reach this milestone: “With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian national team, hundreds of my fellow players during those years…the people who share with me my daily routine, who admire me.”
The FIFA Best Award, covering performances from August 2023 to August 2024, was determined through a combination of public voting, journalists’ selections, and votes from national team captains and managers, with each group accounting for 25% of the final decision.
The ceremony highlighted a notable divide in football’s prestigious individual honors, as Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and forward Kylian Mbappe, who won individual honors at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, were absent from that event. However, Vinicius was present in Doha to collect his first FIFA prize.
Real Madrid were already in Qatar for Wednesday’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium when Vinicius received the honor. His teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal were also nominated for the men’s award.
Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has evolved into one of football’s most dynamic players, combining his on-field excellence with vocal advocacy against racism in the sport. His latest accolade not only recognizes his sporting achievements but also his resilience in the face of adversity.
